Cairo: Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Dr. Ismat Gurashi, has unveiled a new strategy aimed at enhancing the value-added of Sudanese agricultural production, with particular focus on the vegetable and fruit sectors. The strategy includes establishing processing factories near production areas to improve canning and storage, reduce post-harvest losses, developing domestic fertilizer and pesticide industries, and providing financing for investors. The initiative is expected to support self-sufficiency and generate employment in local communities.
According to Sudan News Agency, the announcement was made during Dr. Gurashi's visit to Egypt's Future of Egypt Agency for Sustainable Development in Cairo, where he met with the Agency's head, Dr. Bahaa Al-Ghannam. The meeting was also attended by Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sewilam, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Sudan and Egypt in agriculture and sustainable development.
During the visit, Dr. Gurashi stressed the importance of deepening bilateral collaboration, praising the fraternal relations between the two countries. He highlighted the need to prepare an integrated plan for proposed projects in Sudan and organize joint workshops to conduct necessary market studies.
The visit also reviewed the Agency's efforts in land reclamation and the application of modern agricultural technologies. The Minister underscored the significance of leveraging Egyptian expertise, particularly in developing agricultural industries and modern storage systems.
This visit coincides with Sudan's ongoing efforts to boost local agricultural production and increase value-added through the indigenization of agricultural industries, a key step towards ensuring food security and sustainable development in the country.